April 3, 2009
Illinois is considering a bill that endangers its local cats. Please help us fight to prevent this tragedy!

Dear Deborah,

I had to write as soon as I could to tell you about the incredibly dangerous bill, H.B. 2703, that is currently being considered by the Illinois State Legislature. The bill will require animal control officers to pick up and impound any cat found "at large"—even those whose owners have let them out for a while.

I’m sure you can see why this is so incredibly dangerous. Impounding cats means bringing them to the shelter, where their fates are uncertain. Just last year, Alley Cat Allies used the Freedom of Information Act to collect information on the outcomes of cats who entered Illinois shelters in 2008. The numbers were disturbing: animal pounds and shelters killed 60,673 cats. And only 2,991 cats were returned to their owners.

We simply can't let this bill pass. Not only would pet cats found outdoors be in danger, but so would every single stray and feral cat living in the state. And in addition to the "at large" provision, the bill targets many parts of Illinois law favorable to feral cats and their caregivers. The risks of passing this bill are just too terrible to consider.

Alley Cat Allies is already hard at work trying to stop this harmful legislation. We have contacted the residents of Illinois and asked them to speak out and are in regular communication with Illinois State Representatives to explain why this is such a dangerous bill for cats.

But I need your help today. Please make an emergency donation right now to help Alley Cat Allies protect the cats of Illinois and to prevent dangerous bills like this from being considered in other states.

We have a big fight ahead. This bill was proposed by approximately 50 Illinois county animal control officers. And they have hired a lobbyist to promote their agenda. With your help, Alley Cat Allies can use every tool at our disposal to stop bills that endanger cats. We will mobilize our advocates and work with the legislature until this bill is defeated.

So please, make your gift immediately. Together, we can protect our nation's cats from dangerous laws.

For the cats,

Becky Robinson
President